MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Zirconium Boride

Formula:             ZrB₂

CAS Number:      12045-64-6

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Zirconium Boride 

Percent (%):                   0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                      5 mg(Zr)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                    5 mg(Zr)/m³

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                 3200 ^oC 

Specific Gravity:             6.085 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Gray-black powder, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A 

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear full face, and self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May emit toxic metal oxide fumes if involved in a fire.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of zirconium boride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Zirconium compounds are not and important industrial poison.  Most zirconium compounds in common use are insoluble and considered inert.  Pulmonary granuloma in zirconium workers has been reported.

Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which effects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, nose and throat, and boron poisoning.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation and boron poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  None recorded.

Ingestion:  May affect the central nervous system.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis and skin granulomas.

Eye:  None recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the skin, respiratory and central nervous system, kidneys and liver.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Avoid spark or open flame in dusting conditions.

Incompatibilities (Materials to Avoid):  Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:  Boron oxide and zirconium oxide fume

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment  specified in Section VIII.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Scoop up or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Use non-sparking tools.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with all Federal, State & Local regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:       Yes 

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:       None

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                  S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:         June 2011